'My husband is terrible about money matters...'

Illustration/Amit Bandre

Dear Diana,
My husband works for a leading company. He has a decent salary. The problem, however, is that money never stays with him and he is always running out of finances. This results in borrowing or taking bank loans. When things go pretty awry, he will sell the car to get a lump sum amount and then buy another car and pay installments. It is not that he splurges, but he loses money due to bad financial decisions. He says he has always been unlucky with money. Even when the going is good, he goes overboard and then ends up with piles of debt. The other problem is that he just does not know how to say no to anyone. I don't depend on him financially as I am working too. Often, my salary goes in clearing his debts. I have tried to explain to him about maintaining a bank balance, but to no avail. We end up fighting. How do I knock sense into his head to not be penniless as the month-end approaches?
- Bidisha


Illustration/Amit Bandre

Dear Bidisha,
Any talk about money between couples always tends to end in a fight. For a smooth relationship, you need to communicate and agree about money. Money is always the worst area of communication in marriages. Money and money fights are a major cause of divorce, not to mention the thing we fight - and even kill for! If this is proving to be a real problem area, you need to tell your hubby exactly how you feel. He should realise that as you are also employed, you are adding to the household finances. What if you were not gainfully employed? He appears to be used to leading his life in this manner, but you cannot live like this. He needs to comprehend the seriousness of the situation. There are zero savings, it's time your hubby became money wise.